One who seeks by construction to narrow the operation of the Federal Constitution as it affects State rights.
1841. He says he is a “strict constructionist,” “a Pharisee of the Pharisees.”—Mr. Cooper of Georgia, House of Repr., Feb.: Cong. Globe, p. 185, Appendix.
1842. A strict constructionist of Virginia had deemed it unconstitutional to be buried in the congressional burying-ground at the public expence; whereas the strict constructionists of that State were willing that the West Point academy should live and flourish, with no authority in the Constitution for its establishment.—Mr. Reynolds of Illinois, the same, June 7: id., p. 592.
1843. Mr. Kennedy of Indiana said that he belonged to the straight-jacket sect of strict constructionists of the Constitution in general.—The same, Dec. 19: id., p. 49, App.
1844. The gentleman from Virginia talks of strict construction. I complain that the construction is too strict; it confines the appropriations too strictly to the “Old Dominion.”—Mr. Giddings of Ohio, the same, Jan. 12: id., p. 290, App.
1844. I am a strict constructionist; and each day’s experience but the more clearly convinces me of the necessity of hedging in this government, and of keeping it within the narrow track assigned it by its authors.—Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, the same, Feb. 9: id., p. 161, App.
1844. Mr. Breese of Illinois said he was a strict constructionist. He would not for the sake of any local advantage stretch any of their powers beyond the grant.—U.S. Senate, Feb. 23: id., p. 310.
1845. I am a strict constructionist; I belong to that party who believe the rights of the States and the liberties of the people are only secure whilst we adhere strictly to the Constitution, as it came from the hands of our patriotic ancestors.—Mr. Bowlin of Missouri, House of Repr., Jan. 15: id., p. 93, App.
1850. You remember the anecdote of the youngster who received a monition from his father that it was time to be steady, make some money, and take a wife. “Why, sir,” said he, “I like the money-making, but whose wife shall I take?” He was a strict constructionist.—Mr. Chandler of Pa., the same, March 28: id., p. 358, App.
1859. Mr. Buchanan says he is a strict constructionist; and he says you should not exercise any power unless it is absolutely necessary to carry into effect an express grant.—Mr. Andrew Johnson of Tennessee, U.S. Senate, Jan. 25: id., p. 587.
1865. There is very little doubt that [Andrew] Johnson will turn out a Democrat, that he will be a free-trader and strict constructionist.—Pall Mall Gazette, July 10. (N.E.D.)
